Chairs at the Metropolitan Room don't come with seat belts, but maybe they should when – with blazing energy – singer Terese Genecco and her red hot blaring band invade the stage.  With the "sequel" to their sass and brass/ discussion and percussion Frances Faye tribute, the typhoon continued.  It's pure caffeinated joy with a wailing vocalist matched by a knockout expert ensemble, led by pianist Barry Lloyd who did triple duty during Cabaret Convention week, also doing his own Murray Grand tribute and accompanying Bill Cooper (two more shows at the Metropolitan) and joining Terese at the Convention night in a bow to the 100^th anniversary of the birth of Kate Smith, taking on a trio of tunes once done by the late, great Kate. 

Terese's "little big band" got a little bit bigger at the West 22^nd Street venue with the new addition of splendidly cool Mayra Casales on percussion, joining drummer Randy Odell, Max Perkoff (trumpet), Rich Armstrong (trumpet), Tony Malfatti (sax), and Daniel Fabricant(bass).  Each was given time to shine in solos, and the teamwork was smashing.  There was affectionately joking camaraderie evident.  Although they took the time for a couple of effective ballads (reprising "Drunk with Love" from the first installment and "The Thrill is Gone," generally the musical attack was appropriately bombastic.  Iconoclastic tough broad Faye gets her echo with Genecco, who knows, loves, and channels her idol's ways and means, and belts it all to a faretheewell.  Grit gave way to grins with the infectious spontaneous combustibility. 

Terese’s original Bistro Award-winning Drunk with Love was a field day and a tough act to follow, partly because it IS a tough act she put on, emulating the brash, take-no-prisoners Frances Faye. 

Now dropping a scripted narrative in favor of casual commentary, there are anecdotes (more would be good; you know she knows them) between showstoppers like “Kansas City,” two invigorated Cole Porter tunes (“What Is This Thing Called Love?” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”) and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” (it sure is).       

The Metropolitan’s J.P. Perreaux, who produced Terese’s CD recorded live at the club a year ago, provided exciting lights and sound, balanced for the band so much larger than what is customary.  One was never overwhelmed by the sound in close quarters, just overwhelmed the talent of all concerned – a Faye accompli. 

 NOTE:  More information at www.teresegenecco.com.  See also a major feature on this singer in an upcoming issue of Cabaret Scenes.  Her CD is available through this website’s online store for $15. 

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
November 9, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org